Agartala, Feb 24 (UNI) At least 40 people, mostly children have fallen ill after drinking polluted water from river Howrah at Kahsipur near here.

At least 10 people were admitted to the IGM and G B Hopital last night.

The water of the river was polluted by the disposed chemicals from a paint factory set up by one Rajuram Sau. He was arrested by the police and interrogation was on.

People after consuming the water, reportedly, started vomiting and experiencing difficulty in breathing, sources added.

Supply of driking water from various treatment plants here, remained suspended since yesterday, as a precautionary measure and all the water tanks were cleaned, official sources said.

Environment pollution control board officials are investigating the matter and interrogating the owner of the factory in question.

Public Health Engineer (PHE) officials and local MLA Pabitra Kar visited the spot.

Water will be sent to Kolkata today for finding the cause for pollution.

Chief Minister Manik Sarkar held talks with the West Bengal Public Health Engineer Minister Gautam Deb in this regard last night and sought to submit reports after testing the water sent from here.

Mr Sarkar also directed the Chief Engineer of the PHE to take all possible steps to supply potable water to those areas affected by suspension of supply since yesterday in the city.

With reports of the incident, tension prevailed in the area, but the police assured that the situation is under control.

UNI